TOLEDO (June 13, 2014) – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (Ohio-9) today joined Mayor D. Michael Collins and officials of the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority to break ground at the site of a “spec” building on the former Jeep factory site just off Central Avenue.
“As the realtors say, ‘Location, location, location,’ ” Congresswoman Kaptur said in her remarks. “This is one of the prime locations in the entire region.”
Construction will begin in a matter of weeks on a 100,000-square-foot building for use as a warehouse or distribution center or possibly for light manufacturing.
Congresswoman Kaptur said the project will leverage Toledo’s important asset as a hub for multi-modal transportation. As she spoke, a northbound freight train rumbled by just to the east and heavy traffic traversed Interstate 75 in both directions just to the west.
She also noted the site’s historical significance in American history. “What took place at this site for so many years is something we should always remember,” she said. “When people drive by, they know it’s important, but it lacks meaning to them. With this undertaking, we can help remake our image.”
Port Authority President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Toth said the project never would have happened without Congresswoman Kaptur’s assistance in securing the initial federal funding.
“We’re hopeful that we will have a new tenant at Overland upon completion of this project. The port authority is dedicated to bringing new life to this historic and important piece of land,” Toth said.
Mayor Collins said the Jeeps that were built at the former site propelled the Allies to victory in the European theater in World War II. The new development, he said, will show that Toledo is a city “on the incline, not the decline.”
# # #
For more information: Steve Fought (703) 587-8165